Key Takeaways
- The Climate Action Network Canada warns that expanding fossil‑fuel infrastructure amid climate chaos is dangerous and counter‑productive.
- Geopolitical instability and “biblical weather” underscore that climate change itself is a growing source of economic and social risk.
- The proposed Alberta pipeline lacks transparency; the public‑private partnership model risks socializing costs while enriching oil‑company shareholders, echoing past controversies like the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX).
- Polling consistently shows Canadians oppose subsidizing the oil and gas sector.
- A southern British Columbia route would cross multiple Indigenous nations’ territories, necessitating respect for their rights and sovereignty.
- Investing in clean‑energy nation‑building projects offers workers and communities tangible benefits and positions Canada for success in a renewables‑driven global economy.
- Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN‑Rac) Canada is a coast‑to‑coast‑to‑coast coalition of nearly 200 diverse organizations advocating for climate action.
- Media inquiries can be directed to Vicky Coo or Audrey Robillard at the provided email addresses.
Response to Alberta Pipeline Application
On 2 July 2026, Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada, issued a statement reacting to the Alberta government’s pipeline application submitted to the Major Projects Office. She echoed the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of a treacherous geopolitical moment but argued that true stability for Canada’s economy, communities, and planet must come from diversifying away from both unreliable trading partners and volatile fossil fuels. Brouillette contended that continuing to expand fossil‑fuel production while Canadians already experience climate‑related chaos is a perilous path that undermines national resilience.
Geopolitical Instability and Climate Chaos
Brouillette highlighted the “biblical weather” that delayed the pipeline announcement as a vivid illustration of how climate change itself fuels instability. Extreme weather events disrupt supply chains, damage infrastructure, and strain public finances, making reliance on carbon‑intensive energy sources increasingly untenable. She argued that the very volatility cited as a reason to pursue new pipelines is, in fact, a symptom of the climate crisis that such projects would exacerbate, creating a feedback loop of risk rather than security.
Concerns Over Lack of Transparency and Public‑Private Partnerships
The statement criticized the opacity surrounding the announced public‑private partnership, likening it to signing a blank cheque for Canadians. Drawing parallels to the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX), Brouillette warned that costs would likely be socialized—borne by taxpayers—while profits would accrue to oil‑company shareholders. She emphasized that Canadians have repeatedly rejected such arrangements, citing polling that shows widespread opposition to subsidizing the oil and gas industry, and urged policymakers to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Polling Shows Canadian Opposition to Fossil‑Fuel Subsidies
Recent surveys consistently indicate that a majority of Canadians do not want public funds used to support oil and gas expansion. Brouillette referenced this data to underscore that the pipeline proposal runs counter to public sentiment. She argued that ignoring these preferences not only disregards democratic legitimacy but also risks eroding trust in governmental decision‑making processes, especially when the projects in question carry significant financial and environmental liabilities.
Impact on Indigenous Nations’ Territories and Rights
A southern British Columbia routing for the pipeline would traverse the traditional territories of numerous Indigenous nations. Brouillette stressed that any development must uphold the rights, sovereignty, and self‑determination of these peoples, in accordance with United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and domestic legal obligations. She called for meaningful consultation and consent, warning that proceeding without such safeguards would perpetuate historic injustices and provoke lasting conflict.
Opportunity in Clean Energy Nation‑Building
Instead of pursuing another costly and divisive oil pipeline, Brouillette advocated for redirecting investment toward clean‑energy nation‑building initiatives. She pointed to renewable‑energy projects, grid modernization, and electric‑transportation infrastructure as avenues that can generate well‑paid jobs, stimulate local economies, and position Canada as a leader in the global transition to low‑carbon technologies. Such investments, she argued, would deliver lasting benefits while aligning with international climate commitments and market trends.
Overview of Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN‑Rac) Canada
Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN‑Rac) Canada is the country’s most expansive network of climate and energy organizations, comprising close to 200 member groups spanning every province and territory. Its coalition brings together environmental NGOs, trade unions, First Nations, social‑justice and development organizations, health advocates, youth movements, faith‑based bodies, and grassroots initiatives. This broad base enables CAN‑Rac to advocate for policies that integrate ecological sustainability with social equity and economic resilience.
Contact Information and Further Details
For additional information or to arrange interviews regarding the statement or the network’s work, interested parties may contact Vicky Coo, Communications Manager, at [email protected], or Audrey Robillard, Bilingual Communications Manager, at [email protected]. Both representatives are available to provide context on the organization’s position and the broader implications of fossil‑fuel infrastructure proposals in Canada.
